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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Arts Honours: International Relations 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
86926  Bachelor of Arts Honours: International Relations 
ORIGINATOR
University of KwaZulu-Natal 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours Degree  Field 07 - Human and Social Studies  Public Policy, Politics and Democratic Citizenship 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  128  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

The purpose of the Bachelor of Arts Honours: International Relations is largely to provide not only knowledge that is very specific to the sub-discipline of International Relations but also advanced learning to those learners who wish to work in governments and internationally, in diplomatic missions, inter-governmental organisations, multinational companies, and international non-governmental organisations.

Essentially, the qualification is more specialised than, for example, Political Science, and would serve to further enhance the graduate's competence in the area of International Relations (involving governments, Multinational Corporations (MNC), Intergovernmental Organisations (IGO) and International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGO). This is at the heart of the difference between International Relations as a field of study and Political Science as a more general and umbrella area of study. Thus, this qualification will contribute towards the reduction of the current scarcity in South Africa of learners skilled in the area of International Relations. The qualification also provides a route of access to postgraduate study and further research in the field of International Relations.

Rationale:

A huge need exists at present in South Africa, as well as in much of the rest of Africa, to develop people who are knowledgeable, not only in the general field of International Relations, but who also understand Africa's tenuous position and needs within a world of rapid globalisation, with simultaneous technological and economical bifurcation that tends to leave Africa further behind.

Thus, the programme seeks to:
  • Prepare learners who can fit into national diplomatic missions and help meet significant shortages among diplomatic personnel.
  • Prepare learners who can successfully take up further research in academic institutions and research environments in South Africa and across Africa.
  • Prepare learners who can function in the evolving and growing world of non-governmental organisations.

    The Bachelor of Arts Honours: International Relations is an important initial base for professional development in the field. Graduates would be able to enter at various levels of professional work and in different levels of government, NGOs, or the private sector. With backgrounds in the general field of Political Science and cognate disciplines in the Social Sciences and the Humanities, the average graduate would be able to make useful contributions at the entry or low-management levels of professional employment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that the learner is competent in:
  • The knowledge, skills and values associated with a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Social Science Degree at NQF Level 7.
  • Critical reading and writing.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    In cases where an equivalent qualification or experience (such as government service or field experience as a peace worker) exists, candidates who wish to be considered for Recognition of Prior Learning will be required to provide pertinent supporting evidence in the form of a portfolio of evidence. This will be evaluated by a panel of experts from the faculty and a formal report, in line with the institutional policy on the Recognition of Prior Learning, will help to inform the decision to admit or reject a candidate.

    This Recognition of Prior Learning may grant:
  • Access to learners who do not meet the minimum requirements for admission.
  • Learner credits towards modules contained in this qualification.
  • Learner credits towards the achievement of the qualification.

    Access to the Qualification:

    Access is through a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Social Science Degree or equivalent in Political Science, International Studies, Peace Studies, International Relations, Law, History, Development Studies, Sociology or related areas. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification comprises Compulsory and Elective modules - all at NQF Level 8. A minimum of 128 Credits are required for the qualification to be awarded.

    Compulsory Modules - all at NQF Level 8:
  • International Relations and Global Politics, 32 Credits.
  • Advanced Study in International Relations, 32 Credits.
  • Foundations of Political Inquiry, 16 Credits.
  • Research Project in International Relations, 32 Credits.

    Total compulsory Credits: 112.

    Electives Modules - a minimum of 16 Credits must be obtained:
  • Corruption, Sleaze and Politics, 16 Credits.
  • Research Methodology in a Political Context, 32 Credits.
  • International Political Economy, 32 Credits.
  • Political Change in Africa, 32 Credits.
  • Ethics of Conflict, Diplomacy and Peace, 16 Credits.
  • Political Economy of Competitiveness, 32 Credits.
  • Political Economy of Southern Africa, 32 Credits.

    Total Minimum Credits required: 16. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate a deeper understanding and appreciation of the range of issues and factors that affect and inform international relations and world politics.

    2. Contextualise, and develop a keen awareness of competing ideas or perspectives that seek to explain critical problems.
  • Range of critical problems includes but is not limited to: Conflict prevention or resolution; Peace to issues of water scarcity: Regional economic integration; Environmental despoliation.

    3. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of diplomacy and diplomats in shaping the global patterns of production, trade, prosperity, politics, order, stability and peace.

    4. Identify and locate some of the issues of International Relations that hold special significance for Africa.

    5. Apply research skills to advance understanding of conflict analysis, prevention of conflict, transformation and sustainable peace.

    6. Communicate research findings effectively using a range of skills and modes of argumentation. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

    1.1 Identify the problems and issues of the day in the interrelationships of states and other key players in the international system.
    1.2 Demonstrate advanced understanding of casual factors that affect international relations and world politics.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

    2.1 Identify relevant theoretical frameworks that can be used to make meaningful assessments of issues in international relations.
    2.2 Demonstrate an appreciation for theory and its limits in practice.
    2.3 Contextualise competing ideas or perspectives that seek to explain critical problems that impact on international relations and world politics.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

    3.1 Explain the complexities and inherent difficulties of leadership, policy making and governance at interstate level.
    3.2 Explain why moral claims and imperatives are sometimes ignored by political leaders in favour of perceived pragmatic imperatives.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

    4.1 Explain the varied nature and importance of diplomacy and diplomatic institutions.
    4.2 Examine and explain the role of diplomacy in shaping a wide range of issues that are central to everyday existence.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

    5.1 Develop appropriate empirical investigations to gather new information.
    5.2 Develop strategies for gathering and assessing relevant information.
    5.3 Engage with issues of conflict and peace through research work.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

    6.1 Utilise creative and critical thinking techniques to generate the research report.
    6.2 Utilise written and oral presentations to present arguments in a logical and effective manner.
    6.3 Defend and support the findings of the research in the report. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared to similar qualifications in Australia, the United States of America and England.

    The qualifications used were:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours: Political Science and International Studies, the University of Queensland, Australia.

    Courses offered:
  • Honours Research Methods.
  • Knowledge, Power and Politics.
  • Honours Research Thesis.

    As can be seen, the University of Queensland: Bachelor of Arts Honours: Political Science and International Studies is fairly compatible, however, they only offer one subject (course) besides the specialist choice of the learner in the research topic. It is a one year programme.
  • Honours Programme: Political Science, the Florida State University, United States of America.

    Course Offerings:
  • International Relations: Honours.
  • American Government: National Honours.
  • Political Science Research: Honours.
  • Introduction to Public Policy: Honours.

    The Florida State University: Honours Programme: Political Science qualification does not compare well with this Bachelor of Arts Honours in International Relations at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The American qualification focuses more on 'Political Science' than purely on International Relations. Both do, however, have a research project attached.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours International Relations, University of Portsmouth, England.

    Course Content - Year one (All Core):
  • Introduction to Political Thought.
  • Introduction to International Relations.
  • Understanding Governance and Politics.
  • Introduction to Political Economy.
  • Current Political issues.
  • Introduction to Global Issues.

    Course Content - Year two (Core):
  • International Politics.
  • International Relations Theory.
  • Ethnicity and Conflict Resolution.
  • Comparative Foreign Policy Analysis.

    (Options - Choose two):
  • Conflict and disaster: International Responses.
  • International Politics and the Middle East.
  • Russian and Eurasian Politics.
  • Comparing Extremism in Europe.

    Course Content - Year three (Core):
  • Dissertation/Project.
  • Global Political Economy.
  • Security and Strategic Studies.

    (Options - Choose one):
  • Democracy and Democratisation.
  • Transnational European Union.

    The University of Portsmouth: Bachelor of Arts Honours International Relations is very similar, yet is a three year qualification. So, in essence, it is actually a degree with a dissertation/project in its third and final year. This qualification thus only compares favourably with the University of Portsmouth's third year of study. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:

    The qualification articulates horizontally with any cognate Honours Degree or Postgraduate Diploma at NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:

    The qualification articulates vertically with any cognate Master's Degree at NQF Level 9. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Internal moderation will be done by ensuring that more than one staff member involved in teaching will mark assignments/presentations/portfolios.
  • External moderator/examiners will be appointed for each module and the research project. External examiners will be appointed in accordance with the University procedures and guidelines and the Faculty of Health Sciences postgraduate learner examination policy. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    All staff members appointed through University of KwaZulu-Natal's selection procedures are eligible to assess learners' work in the field in which they have been appointed. All non- University of KwaZulu-Natal staff members have to first be appointed by University of KwaZulu-Natal. All assessors will have to have at least a Master's Degree relevant to the field. Internal and external assessors for the qualification will be selected on the basis of their recognised expertise in the modules being offered. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. University of KwaZulu-Natal 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.